Red meat is a double-edged sword when it comes to bodybuilding. Many bodybuilders swear by its effectiveness for helping to add muscle. Others feel the health detriments are too much to justify its use. For a food that is so common and so well-studied, one would think there would be a general consensus. But this is not the case. Let’s check out two differing opinions, and see which is correct.

Red meat = good.

Red meat is easy to eat, first of all. Due to its higher fat content and unique texture, it chews quickly which allows for greater consumption. It’s a great source of protein and essential fats, contains natural creatine, and provides B vitamins as well. Red meat builds muscle, and as a cheap and available protein source, it should be consumed daily to make the most possible muscle gains.

Red meat = bad.

When it comes to heart health, many people choose to avoid red meat. When it comes to keeping body fat in check, people also choose to avoid red meat. The consumption of red meat has been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease and stroke. Some professional bodybuilders blame their current heart conditions on the insane levels of red meat they ate during their competition days.

The conclusion?

Red meat can and should be used by most bodybuilders. If you have a family history of heart disease, then you should monitor your cholesterol levels. However, much of the problems that cause heart disease often arrive from the goodies that often accompany red meat. Meaning, those French fries you eat with your burger.

Adequate fiber should always be consumed with red meat to ensure it doesn’t sit in the gut for longer than necessary. Bananas, blueberries, broccoli, and beans are all highly effective fiber sources which will keep constipation from beef from occurring. Eating a “white bread” bun along with every serving of red meat isn’t advisable. Eat your steak with rice, and your burgers with vegetables.

Most bodybuilders who regularly consume a great deal of red meat say they will never go back to eating plain ol’ chicken and fish all day long. There is a hardness and fullness to the muscle group, and pumps have been known to last much longer in workouts fueled by it. Chicken and fish are fine protein sources, but shouldn’t be the leader on your menu – beef should.

Real men eat beef, and real bodybuilders grow on beef.

If you like this article, click here to share: